THE CLINICAL EVALUATION of inflammatory joint diseases is not completely reliable. Besides the physical examination of the affected joints, laboratory tests (eg;, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and antinuclear antibodies are used). These parameters, however, may be influenced by factors unrelated to the disease. Radiologic signs of inflammatory joint disease are found in relatively late clinical stages. Early therapeutic management requires sensitive and precise diagnosis of the inflammatory disease. Because of its high spatial and contrast resolution, dynamic MR imaging facilitates new insights into inflammatory joint disorders.
M R IMAGING OF JOINT DISORDERS
Spin-Echo Sequence
matory lesions within bone marrow with high contrast and little time penalty. Because of their arthrographic effect, T2-weighted images are useful for the depiction of joint effusions, allowing delineation of synovial proliferations projecting into the high-signalintensity joint effusion. Moreover, T2-weighted sequences can be used for the detection of bone marrow edema, which is visualized with high signal intensity. Ve.ry small amounts of joint effusion can be detected wiih T2-weighted spin-echo sequences, even if they cannot be visualized with other imaging modalities.
' r 1 -weighted spin-echo images demonstrate inflam-Iadci terms: Arthritis. 452.70 -Contrast enhancement * Gadolinium -